Symphony No. 5 (Shostakovich) facts for kids

The Symphony No. 5 in D minor, also known as Opus 47, is a famous piece of music for a large orchestra. The Russian composer Dmitri Shostakovich wrote it between April and July 1937. It was first performed on November 21, 1937, in Leningrad by the Leningrad Philharmonic Orchestra, led by Yevgeny Mravinsky. The first performance was a huge success! People loved it, and it received a standing ovation that lasted more than 30 minutes.

What Instruments Are Used?

This symphony uses a big orchestra! Here are the instruments you'll hear:

• Two flutes and a piccolo
• Two oboes
• Two clarinets and an E-flat clarinet
• Two bassoons and a contrabassoon
• Four horns
• Three B-flat trumpets
• Three trombones
• A tuba
• Timpani (kettledrums)
• Snare drum
• Triangle
• Cymbals
• Bass drum
• Tam-tam
• Glockenspiel
• Xylophone
• Two harps
• Piano
• Celesta
• And a full string section (violins, violas, cellos, and double basses)

How the Symphony is Structured

The symphony has four main parts, called movements:

I. Moderato: A Serious Beginning

The first movement is in D minor and follows a sonata form, which is a common structure in classical music. It starts with a strong, intense sound from the strings. This part uses a musical technique called canon, where different instruments play the same melody but start at different times.

A gentle, flowing main tune is then played by the first violins. Shostakovich sometimes included musical "secrets" or references in his works. This main tune, for example, had appeared in an earlier symphony. It was a way for him to respond to challenges and express his feelings through his music.

The main tune is repeated and changed many times, making the music feel like one continuous story.

A second, contrasting theme appears, played with a more flowing rhythm. This part sounds simpler and more lyrical, with a beautiful melody accompanied by steady chords.

The music then becomes more energetic and faster, like a powerful march. Themes from the beginning are transformed, sometimes sounding a bit strange or exaggerated, with military drums and trumpets joining in.

Later, the earlier themes return, sometimes exactly the same, sometimes slightly changed. Near the end, the second theme is played by the flute and horn, then by the violin and piccolo. The movement finishes quietly with the celesta playing a soft, rising tune that slowly fades away.

This movement tells a story of deep feelings, like sadness and struggle, mixed with moments that feel like preparing for a battle. The ending leaves you wondering, as if the challenges haven't been fully resolved.

II. Allegretto: A Lively Dance

This second movement is a lively dance, like a scherzo or a ländler, which is a type of Austrian folk dance. It's in A minor and has a three-part structure.

It begins with a strong, loud sound from the cellos and basses. Then, softer solos are played by the E-flat clarinet, french horn, oboes, and strings. As this section develops, the dance music becomes a bit exaggerated and grand.

The middle part, called the trio, has an interesting sound. It doesn't quite sound like traditional folk music.

When the first part returns, some of the music is repeated softly and with short, detached notes. The movement ends loudly in A minor. Even though it's a dance, this scherzo doesn't feel completely lighthearted. There are some unexpected changes in the music that make it feel a little unsettling.

III. Largo: A Deeply Emotional Part

Shostakovich starts this movement with the violins divided into three groups, which is more than usual. The opening melody is played by the third violins, with the other violins slowly joining in. Unlike the first two movements, this part uses no brass instruments at all. This creates a softer, more limited range of sounds.

The music then features two flutes playing separate melodies, one of which reminds us of the first movement's main theme. An oboe then takes over the solo with string accompaniment. Like the first movement, this part ends with a celesta solo that slowly fades away. The strings are divided into many groups throughout this entire movement.

This movement is full of deep sadness and reflection. In the middle, the music builds up to a passionate moment with the clarinet, xylophone, and piano. Overall, it feels more like chamber music, with individual string instruments playing their own important lines. The musical key often feels unclear, adding to the floating and independent sound.

IV. Allegro non troppo: A Powerful Ending

The final movement, in D minor, is also in sonata form. It sounds very different from the earlier parts, especially in its melodies. Themes from earlier in the symphony are developed until a new, strong theme is played by the trumpet. This new theme is then passed to the strings, and the music gradually becomes quieter.

The middle section of this movement is much calmer and more peaceful. It eventually changes into a march, where earlier melodies are played slowly, with the timpani providing a steady beat. The music grows louder and more intense as the accompaniment moves from timpani to woodwinds and then to strings. Finally, the piece shifts from a minor key to a bright major key, ending with a powerful and triumphant feeling.

About the Symphony

How it was Composed

Shostakovich included a melody from his own song, Vozrozhdenije, in the last movement of the symphony. This song was based on a poem by Alexander Pushkin about the idea of rebirth. Many people think this song is a key to understanding the whole symphony.

The composer also used a musical idea from the "Habanera" in Bizet's opera Carmen in the first movement. Composers often use musical quotes to add layers of meaning to their work.

A Symphony of Hope

After the symphony was performed in Moscow, the famous pianist Heinrich Neuhaus described it as "deep, meaningful, gripping music." He praised its classical structure, perfect form, and amazing orchestral writing. He also noted that it was new and original, yet felt familiar because it expressed human feelings so truly.

Shostakovich returned to a traditional four-movement structure and a regular-sized orchestra for this symphony. He made sure each movement had a clear and strong design. The music in the Fifth Symphony is also easier to understand and more melodic than some of his earlier works. Many believe that in this symphony, Shostakovich's best qualities—like deep thought, humor, and grandeur—come together in a perfect and fulfilling way.